Formability evaluation of stainless steel bipolar plate considering draft angle of die and process parameters by rubber forming

In this study, the rubber pad forming process is used to fabricate bipolar plates with stainless steel SUS304 for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The metallic bipolar plates have received considerable attention because of their low cost, excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, and simplified fabrication techniques. The thin plate with micro channels was fabricated using a hydraulic press with a capability of 200 ton according to the process parameters of the rubber forming (punch speed, plate pressure, rubber thickness, rubber hardness) considering the draft angle of the die and its formability was evaluated.